Authorities fear 'Assassins' game will have real consequences

Police in two South Hills communities are concerned about a game teenagers are playing called "Assassins."

It involves firing at each other with water guns or other toys. No one gets hurt, but the chases involving players is the problem.

A damaged front lawn on Willem Street in Jefferson Hills illustrates a recent incident. Tires of a car involved in a chase tore up some grass as the vehicle went up on the edge of the front yard, as one player was pursuing another. That's just one example, according to Pleasant Hills Police Chief Edward Cunningham.

Cunningham explained that, in the game, teams with water guns seek out opponents. Police have no problem with that -- it's what the TJ Assassins game players from Thomas Jefferson High School are doing when they get carried away that's at issue.

Witness John Petras described what he saw as "two cars coming down the hill and one stopped here, and I guess the other one stalled there, and I think two kids came out and turned around up that hill."

That incident left one homeowner's lawn damaged. Pleasant Hills police and Jefferson Hills police have had other issues with Assassins players.

"We've had them, where they're at 6 o'clock in the morning when it's still dark, in people's yards, dressed in black with these squirt guns and it really alarms our residents," said Cunningham.

Resident Alicia Lattanzi said, "That's true, that too is very dangerous. If they're mistaken and somebody is scared enough, you don't know what they're going to do."

Assassins players have called police on each other, according to Cunningham.

"Several of them cornered another juvenile in his driveway, and he ended up calling 911, so we had to respond to a disorderly gang call at that residence," said Cunnigham.

Cunningham and Jefferson Hills Police Chief Eugene Roache Jr. requested the district and parents to urge their students to behave responsibly.

"Don't take chances. Don't drive recklessly. And don't put yourself in a position where you could end up getting arrested for basically participating in a game," said Cunningham.

The West Jefferson Hills School District is sending a message to parents at the urging of Pleasant hills and Jefferson Hills police. The following letter was posted on the district’s website:

"Dear Parents and Guardians,

"It has been reported by the news media that teenagers in Jefferson Hills and Pleasant Hills are participating in a game called "Assassins." This behavior includes high speed chases with automobiles, running through back yards of residences, sometimes carrying Nerf and water guns. Police report that criminal charges could be filed for this behavior. We are aware that the Jefferson Hills Police Department sent an advisory message to residents about complaints that were received yesterday. More detail about this activity can be found on the Jefferson Hills and Pleasant Hills websites.

"I would like to remind parents and students of our strong stance pertaining to student safety in our school and our zero tolerance for any violation of the school policies and the law. As we approach the end of the school year, our focus remains on student safety, acceptable student behavior, respect for others and for their personal property. Our positions on this are also stated in the student handbook which advises students and parents that there will be consequences for infractions which occur during school hours, on school property and at school sponsored activities and events.

"In light of the school district’s zero tolerance for incidents and behaviors which could threaten the safety of our students, please be reminded that the disciplinary consequences for such infractions could be consequences including but not limited to those that could affect student participation in all of our year end activities and events, including attendance at prom and graduation.

"I appreciate your support and cooperation as we all strive to maintain a safe and positive learning environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns."

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